Ahead of World Volunteers Day on Friday, December 5, we chat to Volunteering SA&NT CEO Hamilton Calder about his life as a soccer fan, family man and a fierce advocate for helping others.
What do you do? I have the privilege of heading up Volunteering SA&NT which grows, supports and promotes all things volunteering. Through our programs, advocacy and partnerships, we help organisations which rely on volunteers to deliver their services in the community – from food relief, to nature conservation to community sports.
What brings you joy? Seeing the tremendous impact volunteers have in our community makes my heart full. I have the opportunity to meet and interact with individuals who make incredible contributions, from young primary school students to people in their 90s who are living proof that volunteering often leads to longer life expectancy and positive wellbeing.
My family also brings so much joy, every day, too. My wife Jane and I have three wonderful children, Alice, 17, Arthur, 13, and Ayla, 11, who constantly inspire me with their passion for life.
What is your most treasured photograph and why? I love this photo of my family watching the Matildas play in their world cup match against Canada in 2023. It combines some of the many things that are special to me – my family, the Matildas, soccer and Australia.
Hardest lesson you’ve had to learn? Meaningful change is achievable but doesn’t happen overnight. When I was 16, I was part of the 1990 Australian delegation to the United Nation’s Montreal Protocol meeting in London. This was a key step in the UN’s Environment Program to phase out the use of CFCs – chemical compounds made up of chlorine, fluorine and carbon – impacting the ozone layer. Despite significant effort, we failed to get all the countries on board. However, with continued pressure over several years, agreement was reached leading to the eventual phase out of harmful CFCs by all countries around the world in 2010. This was a really powerful lesson for me in understanding that when initial attempts fall short, it’s often the foundation for further breakthroughs. It demonstrated to me the power of advocacy through perseverance and collective action.
Best advice you’ve been given? Our Minister for Human Services Nat Cook always has wise advice, including: “Life is too short to compromise your integrity for short term gain”.
Best purchase? This one is easy. Our family dog Millie, a five-year-old Kelpie. She is so sweet, smart and caring. Millie is the best.
Top five songs on your play list?
Connection by Elastica
Thunderstruck cover by Steve’n’Seagulls
Wondering Eye by Fat Freddy’s Drop
Beautiful Girl by INXS
Superstition by Stevie Wonder
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However, my phone usually has an audio book play and at the moment I am really enjoying listening to The Witches, by Road Dahl, with my two youngest kids.
My life philosophy is …. Taken from Mahatma Ghandi who said: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”.
World Volunteers Day takes place on Friday, December 5.
